The mentoring function in continuing education

Abstract

Mentoring is a topic of great relevance for the practice of the distance education as well as for the process of teaching and learning. Questions guiding this qualitative study related to the differences between mentoring and teaching and skills tutors must possess to ensure effective distance education. Our purpose was to identify tasks and skills teachers need to practice to serve as mentors. Our study highlighted some specific competencies and skills of great value to mentoring practice.